Often at the beginning of a new year is the resolve to read through the entire Bible during that year. For many years this has been my practice, and I know it is the practice of many others. It remains the first thing checked off my “to do” list each morning. Spending time each day reading the Scriptures is a good thing. Reading and re-reading is worthwhile. However, as it is done, are we reading to have it read or reading to be led? Marking down the chapters read each day is one thing, but marching on in life based on them is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. We must not be content with merely having it done but in allowing the content we have read to influence our daily life.
To those who were unaccepting of Jesus — and even ready to kill Him (John 5:18) — He stated. . .
“(39) You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, (40) yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” (John 5:39-40 ESV)
This makes it clear the Scriptures can be turned to without duly responding to them. As we read the Scriptures, where are they turning our focus and our life? Are they being read with little or no impact, or are we surrendering to them leading us to the source of life (i.e. John 6:68) and the guidance we need for each day?
Let us remember James’ exhortation. . .
“(22) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (23) For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. (24) For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. (25) But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:22-25 ESV)
God has preserved His Word for a purpose and that is not merely to have it left on the shelf or displayed on a coffee table. It is to be read and re-read so that we can be led to understand His Will for daily living and be encouraged by the life and eternal hope He has provided through Christ! May we continue reading and heeding what it says as we surrender to walking in the light (Psalm 119:105) of it!
Have a great day READING ANEW FOR CONTINUE RENEWAL!
Carl
